Ethnologue > Web version > Country index > Asia > Japan > Okinawan, Central

Okinawan, Central

A language of Japan

Population	984,000 (2000). Ethnic population: Total ethnic population of Okinawan is 1,200,000 (2000 Yukio).
Region	Central Okinawa; southern Okinawa Island, Kerama Islands, Kume-jima, Tonaki, Aguna islands, islands east of Okinawa Island.
Language map	Japan
Alternate names	Luchu, Okinawan
Dialects	Shuri, Naha, Torishima, Kudaka. Inherent intelligibility is generally impossible, or very difficult, with other Ryukyuan languages and Japanese [jpn]. Ryukyuan languages are 62%-70% cognate with Tokyo dialect of Japanese. Ryukyu languages are 62%–70% cognate with Tokyo dialect of Japanese.
Classification	Japonic, Ryukyuan, Amami-Okinawan, Southern Amami-Okinawan
Language use	Mainly adults. Also use Japanese.
Language development	Dictionary. Bible portions: 1855–1858.
Writing system	Katakana script.

Contact us